15 Student Survival Spots in Hamilton
If you’re a student or new to Hamilton and not really sure what Hamilton has to offer, then this is your calling. I am a born and raised Hamiltonian who never really experienced any of the amazing places the city has to offer until recent years. I had spent 5 years studying in post secondary education in Hamilton and lacked knowledge of where to go for my young adolescent student needs. Browsing TrueResident has really helped me personally explore the city to a vast extent. By no means am I an expert when it comes to Hamilton so treat this as more of a starting point rather than a master list. I’m sure some of you out there will think differently or have different preferences and I would love to hear about them, too. With that said, let’s get started!!
Late Nights, Early Mornings
Whether you’re attending McMaster University or Mohawk College, I suggest you attend the events set out by your institution for Welcome Week/Frosh Week and throughout the school year. This is where unexpected friendships or relationships occur and some of the best memories are made. School is tough, but don’t let that prevent you from making your time there as enjoyable as possible.
Most students like to indulge in drinking “pop” the first week or two, so go find where those parties are taking place, save money and have the best time of your life (Drink Responsibly)!! These parties will start to dwindle out as your course loads pile up. Now you are left with that burning question; “Where do we go tonight?” or as I remember most texts saying “what’s good tn?”. Almost every young adult in Hamilton knows of Hess Village and the variety of night life it has to offer, so to expand your horizons I have developed a list of other cool places you can go to at night and still have a great time.
- Serve Ping Pong Bar & Lounge — Friends, drinks, and ping pong. A recipe for a fun filled night and it only gets better as the night progresses.
- Arcade — If you’re looking for that nostalgic feel then this is the place to be. All games are free and you can enjoy local craft beers while doing so. Remember, NO HOGGING!!
- Gameopolis — Board games, craft beer or drinks, and munchies. It’s pretty self explanatory; LOTS OF FUN!! Some school nights can become quite repetitive and Gameopolis can definitely help mix things up for maximum fun!!
- The Baltimore House — Here you can find tons of great local artists performing if you’re into that kind of scene. They also offer open mic nights for those willing to display their iconic talents.
- Tracie’s Place Restaurant and Karaoke — For all you karaoke fans out there, this cozy bar is perfect for those who want to get up on stage and sing at the top of their lungs. They have student specials so don’t forget to bring your student I.D.
Taste Bud Tour
Regardless if you’re staying in residence or living in a house with a bunch of roommates, your meals tend to be quick and easy. As a former student, I remember appreciating a delicious meal made for me. Sure, I could have spent the time preparing one but realistically, I was just too lazy or I would’ve wanted to get some study time in. So for those who feel that they’re in the same boat as me or just simply want some good places to eat that are closer to school, I have made a list. Trust me when I say that this wasn’t easy — this list could have been endless. I broke it down by relevant factors such as location, cuisine style, value, and quantity (portion sizes).
- Delirious Burger Co. — From top to bottom all ingredients are locally sourced, American style burgers that will put any McDonald’s burger to shame (and roughly around the same price, too)!! Check it out, you won’t be disappointed.
- Jonny Blonde’s Kitchen & Food Truck — Operating a store front and food truck, it’s not hard to track down one of Jonny’s dishes of true bliss. The food truck is seasonal but operates a store front throughout the whole year, so don’t be shy to stop in and get your paws on a porchetta sandwich or a peachy blonde!!
- NàRoma Pizza Bar — If you’re looking for rustic urban pizza; you found it!! NàRoma offers a dine in or take out option for their delicious pizza and when the weather is right you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Locke street from their patio. If you’re a fan of BBQ chicken pizza then I would recommend their Pollo Alla Brace pizza; it is definitely my favourite one!!
- Jack & Lois — I wish these guys were my personal cook; their menu is phenomenal. If you seek comfort food, this restaurant should be at the top of your list. Ever feel like you’re full but can’t stopping eating? Ya that’s this place 100%. Every time I visit Jack & Lois, the only thing stopping me from eating is the fact that I have ran out of food and my stomach is about to explode. It’s pretty bold of me to say but Jack & Lois has one of the best patios in Hamilton.
- Democracy* — CALLING ALL VEGANS/VEGETARIANS, not only is this a great coffee spot but they offer a ton of tasty vegan friendly menu options that you’d be silly not to check it out. I had huge doubts when someone told me that Democracy’s cauliflower wings were just as good as chicken wings. “Ya right!” I thought. Let me tell you I have never been so wrong in my life!! They definitely compete with the real deal and I highly recommend pairing them with one of their tasty craft beers.
Wake Up and Smell The Coffee
It’s no question when it comes to students being caffeine dependent, whether you’re staying up late to cram in last minute study time before the big exam or you’re trying to undo the consequences of last night’s behaviour. Either way you need to get your hands on a great cup of coffee. Hamilton just happens to be a city that is producing indie coffee shops like rabbits. Here is a mere taste of coffee spots in Hamilton and yes they all have WiFi.
- Detour Cafe — When it comes to making sure nobody gets a bad cup of coffee ever, these guys take it to heart. They produce several different blends of their own branded roasts, focusing on every detail in order to make the perfect roast. You can enjoy it in their cozy cafe, have it delivered to your house by subscription, or bring it home with you to enjoy whenever and however you would like. Not only do they have great coffee, but they have a small menu loaded with tasty items that are all made from scratch.
- Cafe Augusta — Being one of the new kids in town, Cafe Augusta sure knows how to cater to everyone’s needs. Beautifully laid out before you as you walk through their doors is a social space, working space, and a don’t-talk-to-me-I-haven’t-finished-my-coffee-yet space all intertwined to make one relaxing coffee shop. Also, if you’re a fan of cold brew coffee like myself, I highly suggest trying one of their house made cold brews forged by a 12-hour cold brew drip tower. It packs a ton of flavour into one mean cup of cold brew and is totally worth the wait!!
- Finch Espresso Bar — Even though it’s right around the corner from Mohawk College, this place oddly enough seems to be a hidden gem to the surrounding residents. Whether your taste buds are feeling adventurous or very particular, the staff possess an extensive knowledge of their roasts and how they’re created for maximum taste bud euphoria. Don’t be shy and fly on over to explore this mountain coffee staple and the relaxing vibes it has to offer.
- The Pinecone Coffee Company — When I want to get work done and enjoy an amazing cup of coffee, this is my go to spot. The decor is very relaxing, minimalist, and subtle which correlates to the atmosphere that produces a space that is quiet and makes the productivity much easier to achieve and a coffee that is much more enjoyable
- Ark + Anchor Espresso Bar — This local coffee shop pays special attention to students’ needs: daily student specials, great coffee, and two separate floors initiating different levels of activity (productivity vs sociability). These guys are amazing with how much they support the community and those within it. Constantly promoting local brands within their shop and running a “take one leave one” book program. They love books so much (especially sci-fi/fantasy) that they even host a book club one night each month to discuss certain titles posted via social media. Be sure to check out their social media to find out dates and times to their book club nights!!
It was no easy task shortlisting my Hamilton essentials for students (since this city has a seemingly never ending supply), but I think that it covers a lot of ground to start off with. Now that you've completed reading this survival list, you’re ready to go out there and take on Hamilton. If you’re a student reading this, I hope this post helps you get through your years of school and I wish you all the best with your studies. If you’re just a curious cat, well… you rock, don’t ever change!! I would love to hear what your favourite things to do or places to go in Hamilton are. Don’t forget to check out trueresident.com to explore hundreds of other awesome, local activities in the city!!
